Portable swimming pool

ABSTRACT

A portable pool for erection on any suitable level surface includes an impermeable liner of plastic material for the retention of water, a continuous thin metallic wall for defining the shape of the pool, circular or oval, reinforcing beads for the top and bottom edges of the side-wall, vertical columns equally spaced around the circumference of the wall and rigidly interconnecting the top and bottom reinforcing beads, and a top rail for resisting the hoop stresses induced by the hydrostatic action of the water mass contained inside the liner. In oval pools additional tension members interconnect pairs of columns near their bottom ends to resist the unbalanced loads on the linear portions of the circumference and external buttresses aid in transmitting these loads to the top rail. Hold-down plates bearing some of the weight of the contained water aid in stabilizing and anchoring the wall of the pool.

Pitti et a1.

[ 1 PORTABLE SWIMMING POOL [75] Inventors: Joseph J Pitti, Wantagh, Long Island; George A. Tassone, Brooklyn; Benjamin Davidoff, l-lartsdale, all of NY.

[73] Assignee: Atreo Manufacturing Co., Inc.,

Brooklyn, N.Y.

[22] Filed: Aug. 23, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 173,802

52 us. Cl. 4/172.19, 4/172.21 [51] Int. Cl E04h 3/16, E04h 3/18 [58] Field of Search 4/172, 172.19, 172.21

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,225,362 12/1965 Barrera 4/l72.l9 3,233,251 2/1966 Barrera 4/l72.19 3,409,916 11/1968 Billig et al 4/l72.19 3,268,917 8/1966 Diemond et a1. 4/172.l9 3,274,621 9/1966 -Diemond et a1. 4/l72.l9 3,280,408 10/1966 Gershman 4/l72.l9 3,315,278 4/1967 Schatzk et a1. 4/l72.l9 3,428,969 2/1969 Diemond et a1. 4/l72.l9

[ 51 Feb.'26, 1974 9/1969 Barrera 4/172 4/1970 Schatzki ..4/172.19

[57] ABSTRACT A portable pool for erection on any suitable level surface includes an impermeable liner of plastic material for the retention of water, a continuous thin metallic wall for defining the shape of the pool, circular or oval, reinforcing beads for the top and bottom edges of the side-wall, vertical columns equally spaced around the circumference of the wall and rigidly interconnecting the top and bottom reinforcing beads, and a top rail for resisting the hoop stresses induced by the hydrostatic action of the water mass contained inside the liner. 1n oval pools additional tension members interconnect pairs of columns near their bottom ends to resist the unbalanced loads on the linear portions of the circumference and external buttresses aid in transmitting these loads to the top rail. Hold-down plates bearing some of the weight of the contained water aid in stabilizing and anchoring the wall of the pool.

16 Claims, 15 Drawing Figures Pl-JENTED v 3.793 ,651

sum 1 or 7 FIG! INVENTORS. JOSEPH-J. PITTI GEORGE A TASSONE BENJAMIN DAVIDOFF ATTOR EYS PAIENTEDFEBZBIQH 3,793,651

' sum 3 ur 7 FIG 4 INVENTORS. JOSEPH J. PITTI BY GEORGE ATASSONE BENJAMIN DAVIDOF PATENTEU FEB 2 61974 SHEEI Q (If 7 S Tl INVENT JOSESPH J.

n. E umz OW. A $0 T. m E M GA R v ON EE GB ATTOR Y5 PATENTEDFEBZBW 3.7931551 snm 5 BF 7 flaw .0 J a on Q5 L JOSEPHJ. PITTI GEORGE A. TASSONE BY BENJAMIN DAVIDOFF AT RNEYS PATENTEUFEBZBIQH 3.793.651

SHEET 7 OF 7 I N VEN TORS JOSEPHJ.PITTI GEORGE A.TASSONE DAVID F ENJAMIN 0F 3 ATTORN S PORTABLE SWIMMING POOL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the construction of pools, suitable for wading or swimming, that are portable in nature and capable of being erected generally above ground on any flat surface of sufficient size and bearing strength without the aid of anchoring members penetrating the surface of the ground.

The main considerations in the design of such pools relate to the attainment of sufficient rigidity to withstand the hydrostatic loads of the large mass of water contained therein; the provision of such strength in a lightweight structure capable of being readily assembled and dismantled as well as easily transported from one site to another; and the specification of simple structural members capable of being assembled into pools of differing dimension and shape.

It is therefore a principle or primary objection of the instant invention to provide an improved pool of the above type in which the main structural member is a segmented rail running along the upper perimeter of the side-wall.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable swimming pool in which the jointsand fasteners among the several co-operating structural members are concealed inside hollow spaces of such members, so that the finished structure has a smooth, clean outer appearance and aids in preventing a user from receiving injuries by contact with the pools outer structural surface.

Yet another object of the invention is to teach the use of integral pockets in the aforementioned structural members to receive covering strips of plastic and fabric materials for both decorative and functional reasons, such as the provision of a non-slip catwalk or decking surface.

Still another object of the invention is to provide the construction of a pool structure using a small number of simpleextrusions applicable to portable pools of any size and convexly curvilinear in shape; particularly those pools circular in plan or composed of a rectangular mid-section flanked by semicircular ends whose diameter equals the corresponding width of the rectangle formed by the mid-section.

SUMMARY A portable pool is constructed above grade by forming a perimeter wall from thin-gauge metallic strip, whose width equals the depth of the finished pool. The lower and upper edges of the strip are enclosed by boxlike reinforcing beads and the latter interconnected by vertical columns substantially equidistant from each other on the outside of the wall. The columns, in turn, are joined by means of straight lengths of reinforcing rail above the top edge of the pool to which the upper perimeter of a plastic liner has been attached.

Prior to the attachment of the impermeable liner, anchoring plates, and where required tension ties, are attached to the bottom end of the wall assembly on the inside of the pool and faired into a smooth contour by moulding loose sand into the corner formed between the wall and the supporting surface.

The plastic liner is forced into intimate contact with the wall, the base surface and the anchor plates by the hydrostatic head of the water contained therein and transmits these loads to the structure described above.

Facing strips of plastic and/or woven carpeting are inserted into pockets of the outer surfaces of the columns and upper surface of the top rail to provide cushioned, non-slip surfaces for the support of the users or bathers of the pool to improve the overall decorative and aesthetic appearance of same.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of a circular pool constructed according to the teachings of the instant invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 through a side-wall and support column of the pool shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an oval pool, partially broken away, and embodying the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view along the line 5-5 through one of the tension straps shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view along the line 6-6 of a support column and buttress of the embodiment of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of a support column used in the semi-circular segments of the embodiment of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view along the line 8-8 of FIG.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are cross sectional views of extrusions suitable as alternate upper rails for the pool of the invention;

FIG. 1 l is a sectional view of an extrusion suitable for use as a support column;

FIG. 12 is a plan view illustrating the interlock between the sidewall and its support structure; and

FIG. 13 is a sectional view along the line 13-13 of the assembly of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an oval pool, incorporating a continuous floor under the rectangular mid-section.

FIG. 15 is a partial section of the embodiment of FIG. 14, taken along line 15-15.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT With reference to the drawing, a circular aboveground pool is shown in FIG. 1, containing water mass and defined by wall 2 and the local grade. The wall 2 is a thin, metallic member continuous around the circumference of the pool and suitably stiffened by a reinforcing bead 3 near its bottom edge and a corresponding bead 103, not visible in the illustration, at its upper edge. The bead 103 also serves to locate an impermeable membrane 1 whose shape roughly corresponds to the inner circumference and bottom of the pool and which contains the water mass 100.

Columns 10 are attached to the wall 2 in a vertical alignment by clamps 20 and are intertied by top-rail 30, composed of a number of linear pieces of a suitable extruded shape. Straps 35 complete the assembly and conceal or hide the abutting edges of the segmented top rail 30 forming the rail 300.

As best shown in FIG. 2, a typical column 10 is comprised of a Ushaped extrusion with the open face towards the wall 2 and its legs abutting on it. The bottom bead 3 and top bead 103 for reinforcing the edges of the wall 2 are rectangular extrusions, hollow and with one wall slotted to receive the forementioned edges. At the location of the column these reinforcing beads (3 and 103) are engaged by clamps a and 20b respectively. The clamps 20 are open extrusions whose central webs 21 and far sides 22 are bent towards each other at their free ends to form a partial enclosure for receiving the beads 3 or 103. The near sides of clamps 20 are straight and are bolted to the face of the columns 10 by suitable fasteners 91, such as screws. The upper clamp 20b is identical to the lower clamp 20a and is arranged as the latters mirror image; the two respectively engage the upper and lower extremities of the column 10 and key the sidewall 2 to the column by means of the beads 3 and 103.

The base of clamp 20a rests on the surface on which the pool is erected and is adjoined by an anchor plate 40. The anchor plate 40 is approximately W-shaped and rests on the grade on one of its outer faces, the pocket formed by the angle of the inner legs encompassing that part of the clamp 21a projecting to the inward side of wall 2. The anchor 40 is weighted down by a bead 80 of sand, or similar fine-grained material, to hold the clamp 20a in intimate contact with the ground.

The plastic liner 1, which served to seal the fluid mass 100 inside the pool from the structure, is laid over the ground, the bead 80 and along the wall 2; its upper edge is restrained from motion relative to the wall 2 by being fastened to its upper end by a frictional clamp 104 running around the perimeter of the wall 2. The clamp 104 is enclosed by the reinforcing bead 103 after assembly. It should be noted that bead 3 is continuous around the circumference of the pool, albeit it may be segmented, and accepts the hoop loads imposed by the hydrostatic head of fluid inside the pool. The upper bead 103 may also be continuous, or may if desired, consist of short pieces whose lengths roughly correspond to the widths of clamps 20b.

Clamps 20b, after receiving the upper reinforcing bead 103, are joined to the columns 10 by suitable fasteners 92.

The base of the extrusion forming column 10 has an integral pocket 11 for receiving decorative strips, such as a plastic moulding 71. Two segments abut on each other above the clamp 20b and are tied into the column structure by fasteners 93. The rail segments 30 are U-shaped channels, preferably of an extruded shape, with the base of the U forming the upper surface of the rail and the legs straddling the wall 2 and the clamps 20b. A strap covers the joint between adjoin ing rail segments 30 and hides the fasteners 93 while contributing to the stiffness of the assembly. The straps 35 have a midsection substantially corresponding in shape to the outer surface of the rails 30 with an inwardly bent tab 36 at one extremity and an outwardly bent tab 37 at the other. The tab 36 engages the inboard legs of adjoining rails 30 at their ends, while the tab 37 is fastened to the outer face of the column 10 by means of fasteners 94 with the plastic moulding 71 forming a gasket between such two members.

FIG. 2 also shows the manner in which corners 12a and 12b of the sidewalls of the column 10 are cut back to receive the outboard sections of clamps 20.

The section of a typical column 10 illustrated in FIG. 3 shows the elements enumerated above, in particular the liner 1, the sidewall 2, the lower reinforcing bead 3 and the manner in which the last-named member is retained by the tab of web 21 .of clam'p 20a.

FIG. 4 shows an oval pool containing a fluid mass within a wall 2 whose outline is that of circle severed along a diameter with straight wall segments interconnecting the two semi-circular ends. The construction of this pool is very similar to that illustrated in FIG. I; with some additional structural elements to resist the unbalanced spreading and bending loads introduced by the presence of non-circular boundary elements.

A top-rail 300 is again the main continuous structure for the pool, composed of short segments 30 around the semi-circular ends and continuous straight members 33 on either side of the rectangular center portion. The hydraulic forces tending to spread the straight walls capped by the members 33 are resisted by tension ties 44 interconnecting columns 10 on either side of the center portion of the pool and running at right angles to the walls. The loads absorbed by the ties 44 are transmitted to the columns 10 by means of buttresses 42.

For a more detailed construction of the tension ties 44 see FIG. 5; as shown therein, the ties 44 are sections of an extruded plank, the upper face is flat and the lower is serrated in an assyrnetrical pattern such that when two similar planks are aligned with their serrated faces in opposition a solid body of rectangular section is obtained. This property of the extruded plank used for ties 44 is utilized in making splices capable of transmitting the full tensile load imposed in these ties without appreciable altering the smooth contour of the upper surfaces of abutting planks. A short section 45 of the same extrusion is used as a splice-plate, in an inverted alignment, and bolted across the joint to either section of the tie 44 by bolts 46. The requirment for smoothness on the upper surface of these ties arises from the exposure of the flexible liner 1 of the pool to these surfaces and the need to prevent puncturing the liner on protrusions from the surface on which it rests.

A complete column assembly, as used on the linear portions of the pool perimeter of the embodiment of FIG. 4, is shown in section in FIG. 6. The column 10, the lower and upper reinforcing beads 3 and 103, the lower and upper clamps 20a and 2012 are similar to the corresponding elements described with the reference to FIG. 2; and so are anchor plate 40 and smoothing bead of sand 80. The tie 44 runs at right angles to the wall 2 and passes under the anchor 40 and the base of the column 10 with the lower clamp 20a lying directly above it. A reinforcing gusset 41, suitably U-shaped in section, is provided lying entirely within the volume enclosed by the column 10 and the wall 2. The legs of the gusset 41 are open upward and are fastened to the inner surfaces of the legs of the column 10 by suitable fasteners 61, and the base of the gusset rests on the upper surface of the clamp 20a and is fastened by bolts 60 to the tie 44; these latter bolts passing through holes in the surface of clamp 20a which is thus rigidly entrapped between the tie 44 and the gusset 41.

Additional reinforcement is provided by a buttress 42 running diagonally upward from the outboard end of the tie 44 which extends some distance beyond the wall 2 of the pool, to the outer face of the column 10. The buttress 42 is advantageously made from a section of the same extrusion as used in the manufacture of column 10. A connector 47 is formed from flat plate material by bending one end into an angle corresponding to the angle of the buttress 42 with respect to the horizontal grade. The connector 47 is then rigidly fastened to the tie 44 and the buttress 42 by fasteners 62 and 63 respectively.

The upper end of the buttress 42 is joined to the outer face of column by means of a gusset 48, held to the buttress by bolts 65 and the column by bolts 64, the latter passing through a spacer 53, the columns outer face, and through stiffener 43 arranged within the column. The purpose of stiffener 43 and of the spacer 53 is to increase, locally, the rigidity of the column 10 and thus to aid distributing the loads transmitted by buttress 42 into the structure.

The upper rail segment 33 passing over the column assembly is composed of two identical extrusions 30a and 30b bolted or riveted back-to-back along adjoining legs of their U-shaped cross sections. The rail 33 is cantilevered towards the outboard direction with respect to the pool and is supported near its outer edge by bracket 39 from the column 10.

The upper surface of the combined rail sections 30a and 30b is wide enough for a bather to sit or stand on; to provide a non-slip surface for this purpose a length of carpeting material 72 is provided lying above the aforementioned rail segments and with its edges engaged in integral pockets provided in the elements 30a and 30b near their edges away from their plane ofjunction. The carpet 72 is further restrained from disengagement from the rail surface by strap 38, analogous to the element 35 as described in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, passively engaging the inboard edge of rail element 30a and suitably fastened to the bracket 39.

Another embodiment of the column assembly is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the former being a frontal view of a column 110, the second being a sectional view. The column 110 is substantially identical with the previously described column 10, but capable of accepting somewhat higher hydrostatic moment due to the provision of an additional interlock between a lower clamp 120a and the column 110. The clamp 120a has a central web 121 substantially T-shaped in section with a narrower head 122 towards the wall 2 and a wider head 123 towards the web of the column 110 and engages the tab 123 upon assembly. In this manner loads transmitted from the liner 1 to the wall 2 and hence to the bead 203 are fed into the clamp 120a through the web 121 and distributed into the column 110 partly through the slots 109 and partly through fasteners 91.

The bead 203 is similar to the previously described bead 3 the slot in its upper surface provided for the reception of the wall 1, is reinforced by integral, upwardly extending tabs 213 whose elongated dimension is parallel to the wall 1 and provides substantial reinforcement thereto.

Upper rails 34a and 34b are joined above the column 110 to the clamp b and the latter is fastened to the column 110; the rails 34 showing an integral pocket in section in which a strip of woven plastic material 72a is embedded to form a high-friction surface for the pool perimeter.

In FIG. 9, an alternate embodiment of the upper-rail extrusion is shown. As illustrated therein a substantially U-shaped extrusion 35 is provided with an offset portion 351 of its base with tabs 352 and 353 partially enclosing the offset portion 351 to provide a pocket for the retention of a decorative or functional strip of extruded or woven material. Legs 354 of the extrusion 35 are angled inwardly and joined to the upper surface of the base of the extrusion by sections of substantial curvature. In this manner, a very rigid component is obtained whose smooth outer contours are aesthetically pleasing and provide no sharp edges for the injury of users of a pool whose upper perimeter is constructed from the shape 35.

Another embodiment of an upper-rail extrusion is illustrated in FIG. 10. A substantially U-shaped body 36 shows L-shaped beads 361 and 362 on its upper surface; the legs of these beads 361 and 362 facing one another and retaining a carpet-strip 73. Similar beads 363 and 364 on one leg of the extrusion 36 retain a decorative strip 74 of the same, or similar, material to that of the carpet 73. It will be appreciated that the upper-rail particularly when comprising a pair of rails with abutting flanges in a back-to-back fashion may be provided as desired, along a plurality of segments so that the entire periphery of a pool or any segmental length thereof may be so referred to as a deck. 7

FIG. 1 1 shows a section through an extrusion suitable for use as a column 10; including the integral pocket 1 1 and legs 13.

FIG. 12 shows a partial assembly including pool wall 2, lower reinforcing bead 3 and lower clamp 20a, prior to the joining of these elements to the column 10. The lower bead 3 of this embodiment is not continuous but made from short segments conforming to that portion of the circular are along the pool wall 2 extending between two adjoining columns 10. The ends of two abutting bead sections 3a and 3b abut centrally in the retaining pocket of the lower clamp 20a and are locked in position by the forces exerted on them by the hydrostatic head of the water mass within the pool.

Optionally, it is also possible to providea mechanical lock between the bead sections 3 and the lower clamps 20 a by providing drilled or milled sockets 30 in the bottom face of these members and peening back the adjacent portions of the lower face of the clamp 20a after assembly into these sockets 30. The resulting structure is illustrated in FIG. 13.

Yet another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, the latter being a partial section of the pool shown in perspective on FIG. 14.

In this embodiment the tension straps interlocking the linear segments of the perimeter of an oval pool are replaced by a continuous sheet-like floor member 326 extending past the wall 2 on either side of the rectangular mid-section of the pool and being joined to upright columns 310 by inclined buttresses 311 held rigidly against the floor 326 by retainers 312.

Lower clamps 320 are provided, joined to the floor 326, to position columns 310 and to locate lower reinforcing beads 303. The lower bead 303 on either side of the pool midsection receives the lower edge of the wall 2, a vertical reinforcing plate 315 and a hold-down plate 316. The function of the reinforcing plate 315 is to stiffen the lower portion of the wall 2 against the hydrostatic pressure of the water mass 100; the holddown plate 316 provides anchoring forces, through the weight of the water above it, pressing the bead 303 and the clamps 320 against the floor 326.

While the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated and shown in terms of an embodiment or modification which it has assumed in practice, the scope of the invention should not be deemed to be limited by the precise embodiments or modifications herein described, disclosed, illustrated or shown, such other embodiments or modifications as may be suggested to those having the benefit of the teachings herein being intended to be reserved especially as they fall within the scope and breadth of the claims of this patent application.

What is claimed is: l. A portable pool suitable for erection on any level, loadbearing surface, comprising:

an endless vertical wall confining a circular area; an impermeable membrane contoured to lie continuously along said wall and above the surface of said circular area; means securing the edge of said membrane to the upper edge of said endless wall; lower and upper reinforcing means, including elongated elements of substantially square crosssection with a longitudinal slot in one face thereof, for receiving the lower edge of said endless wall, and for receiving the upper edge of said endless wall, and edge of said impermeable membrane secured thereto by said securing means respectively;

column means, including a plurality of vertical members abutting at equidistant intervals on the outer surface of said endless wall;

lower and upper clamps for rigidly engaging said lower and upper reinforcing means respectively and lower and upper extremities of said column means;

upper rail means, including a number of elongated structural members, lying above the upper edge of said endless wall, said number to correspond to intervals between said column means disposed along said endless wall, the edges of adjoining elongated members abutting one another and secured to said upper clamps, for resisting loads imposed on said endless wall by said mass of water contained therein; and

at least one surface of said upper rail means or said column means having means for retaining a decorative insert, and said decorative insert facing in a direction away from said circular area.

2. The portable pool according to claim 1, wherein said upper rail means comprise elongated structural elements, each having a flat web and curved flanges extending downwardly, substantially at right angles, from the extremities of said web parallel to its longitudinal axis; the upper surface of said web being ridged or otherwise structured to provide non-slip support for users of said portable pool.

3. The portable pool according to claim 2, wherein said upper rail means along at least one interval comprise a plurality of said elongated structural elements, arranged with upper surfaces of their webs lying in the same horizontal plane and rigidly joined at their abutting flanges in a back to back fashion, whereby the width and strength of said upper rail means is increased.

4. The portable pool according to 2, wherein the recited structured upper surface of said elongated structural elements incorporates integral retention means for receiving carpeting or other fabric-like material, for the provision of the desired non'slip surface.

5. The portable pool according to claim 4, wherein said column means are formed of extruded structural members with a substantially flat web and a pair of flanges extending at right angles therefrom, said flanges abutting on the outer surface of said endless wall and said web incorporating, on its outer surface, integral retention means for receiving strips of plastic or fabriclike material.

6. A portable pool according to claim 1, wherein said decorative insert is retained on each of said column means and on said upper rail means.

7. A portable pool according to claim 6, wherein said decorative insert on at least the top surface of said upper rail means is different from said decorative insert on said column means.

8. A portable pool suitable for erection on any level, loadbearing surface, comprising:

an endless vertical wall confining a circular area;

an impermeable membrane contoured to lie continuously along said wall and above the surface of said circular area;

means securing the edge of said membrane to the upper edge of said endless wall;

lower and upper reinforcing means, including elongated elements of substantially square crosssection with a longitudinal slot in one face thereof, for receiving the lower edge of said endless wall, and for receiving the upper edge of said endiess wall and edge of said impermeable membrane secured thereto by said securing means respectively;

column means, including a plurality of vertical members abutting at equidistant intervals on the outer surface of said endless wall;

lower and upper clamps for rigidly engaging said lower and upper reinforcing means respectively and lower and upper extremities of said column means;

upper rail means, including a number of elongated structural members, lying above the upper edge of said endless wall, said number to correspond to intervals between said column means disposed along said endless wall, the edges of adjoining elongated members abutting one another and secured to said upper clamps, for resisting loads imposed on said endless wall by said mass of water contained therein;

at least one surface of said upper rail means or said column means having means for retaining a decorative insert, and said decorative insert facing in a direction away from said circular area; and

said lower clamp means comprising structural elements provided with a flat base and a plurality of flanges extending at right angles therefrom, including a first flange for connection to said column means, a second flange with integral bead for retention of said lower reinforcing means, and a third flange, located between said first flange and said second flange, provided with an integral bead on its face next to said second flange, for cooperation in retaining said lower reinforcing means, and key means extending substantially parallel to said base, in a spaced relationship therefrom, towards said first flange; said column means being provided with integral groove means for receipt of said key means, thereby interlocking said lower clamp means and said column means.

9. A portable pool suitable for erection on any level, loadbearing surface, comprising:

an endless vertical wall confining an oval area defined by a rectangular zone having opposing sides forming linear portions flanked by semi-circular ends, the diameter of said semi-circular ends being equal to the width of said rectangular section;

an impermeable membrane contoured to lie continuously along the inside surface of said wall and above the surface of said area, for retaining a mass of water; 7

means securing an edge of said impermeable membrane to the upper edge of said endless wall;

lower and upper reinforcing means, including elongated elements of substantially square crosssection with a longitudinal slot in one face thereof, for receiving the lower edge of said endless wall and for receiving the upper edge of said endless wall and the edge of said impermeable membrane secured thereto by said securing means;

first column means, including a plurality of vertical members abutting at equidistant intervals on the outer surface of the curved portions of said endless wall;

second column means, including a plurality of vertical members abutting at equidistant intervals on the outer surface of the linear portions of said endless wall;

lower and upper clamps for rigidly engaging said lower and upper reinforcing means respectively and lower and-upper extremities of said first and second column means;

anchor means, including at least one flat horizontal surface projecting inwardly from the lower edge of said linear portions of said endless wall, for bearing portion of weight of a mass of water lying within said impermeable membrane and for transferring said weight to said second column means by bearing upon the inwardly projecting portion of said lower reinforcing means;

tie means disposed beneath said impermeable membrane for tensionally interconnecting pairs of said second column means abutting on opposing sides of said linear portions of said endless wall;

butress means rising diagonally from outward extensions of said tie means towards the outer surfaces of said second column means for rigidly interconnecting same; and

upper rail means, including a plurality of elongated structural members, lying above the upper edge-of said curved portions of said endless wall, said number to correspond to intervals between said first column means including a plurality of intervals between said first column means and said second column means, and further including a pair of elongated structural members, lying above upper edges of the linear portions of said endless wall, the end edges of adjoining elongated members abutting one another and secured to said upper clamps, for resisting loads imposed on said endless wall by said mass of water contained therein; and

at least one surface of said upper rail means or said column means having means for retaining a decorative insert, and said decorative insert facing in a v 10 direction away' from said oval area.

10. The portable pool according to claim 9, wherein said-upper rail means along at least one interval comprise a plurality of said elongated structural elements, arranged with upper-surfaces of their webs lying in the same horizontal plane and rigidly joined at their abutting flanges in a back-to-back fashion, whereby the width and strength of said upper rail means is increased.

11. A portable pool according to claim 6, wherein said decorative insert is retained on each of said column means and on said upper rail means.

12. A portable pool according to claim 11, wherein said decorative insert on at least the top surface of said upper rail means is different from said decorative insert on said column means.

13. The portable pool according to claim 9, wherein said upper surface of said elongated structural elements incorporates integral retention means for receiving carpeting or other fabric-like material, for the provision of the desired non-slip surface.

14. The portable pool according to claim 9, wherein said column means are formed of extruded structural members with a substantially flat web and a pair of flanges extending at right angles therefrom, said flanges abutting on outer surface of said endless wall and said web incorporating, on its outer surface, integral retention means for receiving decorative strips of plastic or fabric-like material.

15. The portable pool according to claim 14, wherein said lower clamp means comprise structural elements provided with a flat base and a plurality of flanges extending at right angles therefrom, including a first flange for connection to said column means, a second flange with integral bead for retention of said lower reinforcing means, and a third flange, located between said first flange and said second flange, provided with an integral bead on its face next to said second flange, for cooperation in retaining said lower reinforcing means, and key means extending substantially parallel to said base, in a spaced relationship therefrom, towards said first flange; said column means being provided with integral groove means for receipt of said key means, thereby interlocking said lower clamp means and said column means.

16. The portable pool according to claim 9, wherein said lower clamp means comprise structural elements provided with a flat base and a plurality of flanges extending at right angles therefrom, including a first flange for connection to said first column means, or said second column means, a second flange with integral bead for retention of said lower reinforcing means, and a third flange, located between said first flange and said second flange, provided with an integral head on its face next to said second flange, for cooperation in retaining said lower reinforcing means, and key means extending substantially parallel to said base, in a spaced relationship therefrom, towards said first flange; said first and second column means being provided with integral groove means for receipt of said key means, thereby interlocking said lower clamp means and said first and second column means. 

1. A portable pool suitable for erection on any level, loadbearing surface, comprising: an endless vertical wall confining a circular area; an impermeable membrane contoured to lie continuously along said wall and above the surface of said circular area; means securing the edge of said membrane to the upper edge of said endless wall; lower and upper reinforcing means, including elongated elements of substantially square cross-section with a longitudinal slot in one face thereof, for receiving the lower edge of said endless wall, and for receiving the upper edge of said endless wall, and edge of said impermeable membrane secured thereto by said securing means respectively; column means, including a plurality of vertical members abutting at equidistant intervals on the outer surface of said endless wall; lower and upper clamps for rigidly engaging said lower and upper reinforcing means respectively and lower and upper extremities of said column means; upper rail means, including a number of elongated structural members, lying above the upper edge of said endless wall, said number to correspond to intervals between said column means disposed along said endless wall, the edges of adjoining elongated members abutting one another and secured to said upper clamps, for resisting loads imposed on said endless wall by said mass of water contained therein; and at least one surface of said upper rail means or said column means having Means for retaining a decorative insert, and said decorative insert facing in a direction away from said circular area.
 2. The portable pool according to claim 1, wherein said upper rail means comprise elongated structural elements, each having a flat web and curved flanges extending downwardly, substantially at right angles, from the extremities of said web parallel to its longitudinal axis; the upper surface of said web being ridged or otherwise structured to provide non-slip support for users of said portable pool.
 3. The portable pool according to claim 2, wherein said upper rail means along at least one interval comprise a plurality of said elongated structural elements, arranged with upper surfaces of their webs lying in the same horizontal plane and rigidly joined at their abutting flanges in a back to back fashion, whereby the width and strength of said upper rail means is increased.
 4. The portable pool according to 2, wherein the recited structured upper surface of said elongated structural elements incorporates integral retention means for receiving carpeting or other fabric-like material, for the provision of the desired non-slip surface.
 5. The portable pool according to claim 4, wherein said column means are formed of extruded structural members with a substantially flat web and a pair of flanges extending at right angles therefrom, said flanges abutting on the outer surface of said endless wall and said web incorporating, on its outer surface, integral retention means for receiving strips of plastic or fabric-like material.
 6. A portable pool according to claim 1, wherein said decorative insert is retained on each of said column means and on said upper rail means.
 7. A portable pool according to claim 6, wherein said decorative insert on at least the top surface of said upper rail means is different from said decorative insert on said column means.
 8. A portable pool suitable for erection on any level, loadbearing surface, comprising: an endless vertical wall confining a circular area; an impermeable membrane contoured to lie continuously along said wall and above the surface of said circular area; means securing the edge of said membrane to the upper edge of said endless wall; lower and upper reinforcing means, including elongated elements of substantially square cross-section with a longitudinal slot in one face thereof, for receiving the lower edge of said endless wall, and for receiving the upper edge of said endless wall and edge of said impermeable membrane secured thereto by said securing means respectively; column means, including a plurality of vertical members abutting at equidistant intervals on the outer surface of said endless wall; lower and upper clamps for rigidly engaging said lower and upper reinforcing means respectively and lower and upper extremities of said column means; upper rail means, including a number of elongated structural members, lying above the upper edge of said endless wall, said number to correspond to intervals between said column means disposed along said endless wall, the edges of adjoining elongated members abutting one another and secured to said upper clamps, for resisting loads imposed on said endless wall by said mass of water contained therein; at least one surface of said upper rail means or said column means having means for retaining a decorative insert, and said decorative insert facing in a direction away from said circular area; and said lower clamp means comprising structural elements provided with a flat base and a plurality of flanges extending at right angles therefrom, including a first flange for connection to said column means, a second flange with integral bead for retention of said lower reinforcing means, and a third flange, located between said first flange and said second flange, provided with an integral bead on its face next to said second flange, for cooperation in retaining said lower reinforcing means, and key means extenDing substantially parallel to said base, in a spaced relationship therefrom, towards said first flange; said column means being provided with integral groove means for receipt of said key means, thereby interlocking said lower clamp means and said column means.
 9. A portable pool suitable for erection on any level, loadbearing surface, comprising: an endless vertical wall confining an oval area defined by a rectangular zone having opposing sides forming linear portions flanked by semi-circular ends, the diameter of said semi-circular ends being equal to the width of said rectangular section; an impermeable membrane contoured to lie continuously along the inside surface of said wall and above the surface of said area, for retaining a mass of water; means securing an edge of said impermeable membrane to the upper edge of said endless wall; lower and upper reinforcing means, including elongated elements of substantially square cross-section with a longitudinal slot in one face thereof, for receiving the lower edge of said endless wall and for receiving the upper edge of said endless wall and the edge of said impermeable membrane secured thereto by said securing means; first column means, including a plurality of vertical members abutting at equidistant intervals on the outer surface of the curved portions of said endless wall; second column means, including a plurality of vertical members abutting at equidistant intervals on the outer surface of the linear portions of said endless wall; lower and upper clamps for rigidly engaging said lower and upper reinforcing means respectively and lower and upper extremities of said first and second column means; anchor means, including at least one flat horizontal surface projecting inwardly from the lower edge of said linear portions of said endless wall, for bearing portion of weight of a mass of water lying within said impermeable membrane and for transferring said weight to said second column means by bearing upon the inwardly projecting portion of said lower reinforcing means; tie means disposed beneath said impermeable membrane for tensionally interconnecting pairs of said second column means abutting on opposing sides of said linear portions of said endless wall; butress means rising diagonally from outward extensions of said tie means towards the outer surfaces of said second column means for rigidly interconnecting same; and upper rail means, including a plurality of elongated structural members, lying above the upper edge of said curved portions of said endless wall, said number to correspond to intervals between said first column means including a plurality of intervals between said first column means and said second column means, and further including a pair of elongated structural members, lying above upper edges of the linear portions of said endless wall, the end edges of adjoining elongated members abutting one another and secured to said upper clamps, for resisting loads imposed on said endless wall by said mass of water contained therein; and at least one surface of said upper rail means or said column means having means for retaining a decorative insert, and said decorative insert facing in a direction away from said oval area.
 10. The portable pool according to claim 9, wherein said upper rail means along at least one interval comprise a plurality of said elongated structural elements, arranged with upper surfaces of their webs lying in the same horizontal plane and rigidly joined at their abutting flanges in a back-to-back fashion, whereby the width and strength of said upper rail means is increased.
 11. A portable pool according to claim 6, wherein said decorative insert is retained on each of said column means and on said upper rail means.
 12. A portable pool according to claim 11, wherein said decorative insert on at least the top surface of said upper rail means is different from said decorative insert on said column means.
 13. The portable pool according to claim 9, wherein said upper surface of said elongated structural elements incorporates integral retention means for receiving carpeting or other fabric-like material, for the provision of the desired non-slip surface.
 14. The portable pool according to claim 9, wherein said column means are formed of extruded structural members with a substantially flat web and a pair of flanges extending at right angles therefrom, said flanges abutting on outer surface of said endless wall and said web incorporating, on its outer surface, integral retention means for receiving decorative strips of plastic or fabric-like material.
 15. The portable pool according to claim 14, wherein said lower clamp means comprise structural elements provided with a flat base and a plurality of flanges extending at right angles therefrom, including a first flange for connection to said column means, a second flange with integral bead for retention of said lower reinforcing means, and a third flange, located between said first flange and said second flange, provided with an integral bead on its face next to said second flange, for cooperation in retaining said lower reinforcing means, and key means extending substantially parallel to said base, in a spaced relationship therefrom, towards said first flange; said column means being provided with integral groove means for receipt of said key means, thereby interlocking said lower clamp means and said column means.
 16. The portable pool according to claim 9, wherein said lower clamp means comprise structural elements provided with a flat base and a plurality of flanges extending at right angles therefrom, including a first flange for connection to said first column means, or said second column means, a second flange with integral bead for retention of said lower reinforcing means, and a third flange, located between said first flange and said second flange, provided with an integral bead on its face next to said second flange, for cooperation in retaining said lower reinforcing means, and key means extending substantially parallel to said base, in a spaced relationship therefrom, towards said first flange; said first and second column means being provided with integral groove means for receipt of said key means, thereby interlocking said lower clamp means and said first and second column means. 